Crystal Palacevs.Brentford

Kristoffer Ajer has trained this week following six weeks out with an ankle injury and he could be fit enough to make the matchday squad on Sunday.

Two other players close to returning for Brentford are Igor Thiago (knee) and Gustavo Nunes (back), although both of those players are expected to miss out this weekend.

Long-term absentees for Frank's side include defenders Ethan Pinnock and Aaron Hickey, as well as midfielder Josh Dasilva and youngster Ryan Trevitt.

With so many players out of contention, the Danish boss is likely to stick with the same side that were just minutes away from claiming a point against Liverpool last time out.

Mark Flekken should continue in goal for the visitors, as the Dutch stopper aims to keep just a fourth clean sheet of the season in the match against the Eagles.

Keane Lewis-Potter, who netted Brentford's goal in a 3-1 defeat at Selhurst Park last season, is expected to continue on the left-hand side of defence in a wing-back role, while Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg and Mads Roerslev are also expected to keep their place in the side.

In midfield, Yehor Yarmolyuk, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Yanelt and Mikkel Damsgaard are all likely to start, while Brentford's dual threat of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo should complete an attacking Brentford side, as they look to end their three-match winless streak in all competitions.

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Lewis-Potter, Collins, van den Berg, Roerslev; Yarmolyuk, Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Wissa, Mbeumo

Written by

Tom Humphrey